In a manner of speaking, the Prince of Demons had no idea what he’d been expecting to happen.

It wasn’t often that a voice other than his own could breach the robust defenses of his innermost mind. Frankly, he was more entertained by the whole ordeal than he was worried. For better or worse, Orcus wasn’t naïve so much as he was easily distracted, and he had the wisdom score to prove it! In any case, a mischievous Ishu girl had not been anywhere on his list of things they might encounter in the abandoned Mages’ Guild outpost.

“I’m very sorry for the cryptic messaging.” She spoke softly, as Orcus and his party entered the tower. Closing the door behind them, darkness filled the area, as she added, “It wasn’t my intention to deceive you. But I had to know that you’d give me your word.”

Given his heightened sense of vision—thanks largely to his third tier of the Seeing ability, which allowed him to observe normally in several kinds of darkness—Orcus regarded his surroundings momentarily.

The first floor of the outpost was surprisingly messy. A large wooden desk sat vacantly in the middle of an otherwise jumbled, circular room. Shelves with many little drawers lined the wall, most of which were thrust open, and many with their parchment contents dangling out like innards. Various items—alembics, glass vials, small crystals, and the likes—were strewn haphazardly across the floor. A little staircase spiraled up to a second floor on the far side, where some strange, gray-colored liquid in the darkness seemed to slicken its steps, gently seeping down to the first floor.

“I don’t suppose a candle is out of the question?” Chauncey grumbled, obviously still somewhat disgruntled by his manhandling, “I can’t see a thing in here. And what’s that gods awful smell?”

The weighty punch of wooden boxes hitting the floor resounded momentarily, as Oriax put the merchant’s items aside, who then clasped Chauncey by the shoulder, saying, “Don’t worry, potions, I’ll keep you safe.”

“…Not really what I had in mind.” The response was mumbled, though heard well enough by everyone present.

Turning his attention elsewhere, Orcus regarded the young woman.

“How do you know I will keep my word?” He replied after the fact, but thought to add with Telepathy, “How do you know the Prince of Demons is not a deceitful liar?”

“I don’t know.” She said back, keeping the desk between herself and the party, “But… I truly want to believe that you’re here for a reason. And my hope is that you’ll hear what I have to say.”

Orcus squinted.

It hadn’t crossed his mind that this could be a trap. Then again, and even if it had, he likely would have walked into it regardless. He wasn’t frightened by much of anything, and in truth, it was easier to be caught in a trap and to know what his enemies were doing, than it was to waste his time trying to find them. At least with the former, their hand was on the table.

“Actually, we’re just here for demons, snake lady.” Oriax replied bluntly, “You seen any?”

She nodded hesitantly, if not somewhat confusedly, “You could say that. However, I’m afraid that things here are more difficult to explain than what an outsider might have come to perceive.”

“Explain yourself.” Orcus demanded, “Why did you say it was dangerous to be outside at night? You said they will be back soon? Did you mean the mages?”

“Mm mm.” She shook her head, “Not the mages. I’m sorry, but they’re long gone. For many weeks now.”

“Fiddlesticks.” Chauncey sighed crossly, “There goes my payment. Yours too, I’m afraid.”

Orcus ignored the merchant, saying with a curious glance, “Are you referring to your kind?”

“I…” She hesitated, an embarrassed look sprouted across her face, as she finally replied, “Sort of. But I think it will be easier to show you in a little while. In the meantime, please allow me to tell you my story. It will help you make sense of why this town is the way it is, as I’m sure you’ve noticed the oddities.”

Orcus nodded, having been confident that something wasn’t right. Thus, he replied, “Very well. We will hear what you have to say. I did give you my word.”

As the party settled in, the heavy curtains of deep blue were drawn across the slim, rectangular windows, and a single candle was lit, placed on a small sitting table nearest to the bookshelves. The few cushioned chairs scattered across the floor were picked up and dusted off, placed around the meager light source. Oriax produced some of the traveling rations given to them by Vurth and Shai, passing them around to any who desired. Chauncey snatched at the offer straight away, and Orcus allowed himself to eat half of a sandwich. The young woman declined any food.

“My name is Seku’ana.” She explained in a gentle tone of voice, after everyone had eaten a little bit, “I am of the Ssatho clan. Our territory is many days’ travel to the southeast of here, far away from the settlements and stranger faces of these lands. For many generations, my people have lived in peace and solitude, even apart from the other Ishu clans in general. But all of that changed a couple of years ago, when Kingsnake Astlir of the Tas’ssrani came to our pit village.”

“What did he want with your people? What were his demands?” Orcus asked, wiping latent crumbs of bread from his lips.

“Throughout our history, the Ssatho cultivated a reputation for two highly distinguished practices: the art of augury, and the art of the hidden blade. These traditions have been woven into the fabric of our faith across many generations, and for that reason, the Ssatho have been called the God-touched. To put it simply, to hold sway over the Ssatho means to possess the hearts of many clans within the Ishu.”

Orcus nodded, “Oracles and assassins? I can see why this chieftain would find your people highly desirable.”

“The leader of Ssatho has always been heralded as the Voice of the Uroboros. As such, our people revere the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, in ways much deeper than that of our shed-kin. When Kingsnake Astlir came, he foretold a prophecy in which the Uroboros would return, and of our people reclaiming their stolen heritage. I don’t know how, but the leader of our people, she… she was made to believe this lie as well!”

“Very interesting.” Chauncey said, rubbing his mustache, “I can’t say I know too much about the Ishu, but I’ve always found your culture to be quite remarkable. Did you know, the entire market for poison and antivenom was established by a Sancti Supra priest? He was on a pilgrimage to Mount Odessus in Velmyra, but was blindsided and left for dead by his forest guide. He spent a number of months with the Ishu of eastern Areshlian, who had found him dying in the foothills. Apparently, he studied sacred practices as those you’ve mentioned, eh—fighting techniques and the likes, whilst he was recovering, many of which involved the same poisons and toxins that the Alchemists’ Guild uses today.”

“Stuff’s dangerous. Smells too.” Oriax suggested, “And when it gets on your skin, or in your blood, you can only wish that you’d die quickly. But none of that really explains why you’re attacking folks on the road.”

“I know, and I’m so sorry.” Seku replied, a hint of devastation in her voice, almost as if she could be moved to cry, “My people would never do something like this. But Kingsnake Astlir has gotten it in their heads that this is what has been asked of us. It’s been so long since my people heard the voices of our ancient spirits—had any hope to cling to at all. For that reason, even the leader of my clan has fallen into his deceit. And no one dares speak out against the Voice of the Uroboros. To do so is to relinquish your loyalty. Not even the few other Kingsnakes that remain can act, for there is nothing to justifiably act against.”

“I understand.” Orcus nodded, crossing his arms as he added, “Your Kingsnake demands sacrifices for his blood rituals. Doesn’t he? He wishes to bind the Uroboros to this mortal world, and the people are placated by that intention. He will not sacrifice his own kin, so he must turn to the other creatures of these lands. Living souls damned to die.”

“Yes.” Seku agreed, “Many of the Kingsnake’s warriors partake in his atrocities against humanity. Many of them want to, and they enjoy it. Though I still don’t understand why he would do something like this…”

Orcus wondered for a moment if he might share his own speculations, but thought better of himself, saying instead, “Where do you come into all of this, Seku? What is your mission? Clearly you make no qualms about abandoning your loyalties. And yet it seems the fate of your people to wreak havoc upon this world. Why not join them?”

Something then happened that Orcus had not been anticipating.

In a blinding haze, Seku had leapt across the distance between her and the Prince of Demons. With blistering speed, she had pulled two hidden daggers from sheathes on her belt, twirling them in between her fingers. In a matter of moments, Seku was leaning over Orcus with a gangly pose, two blades pressed into the bare section of his neck. Furthermore, she offered him a cold, crazed look that could have sent shivers down anyone’s spine, but Orcus merely sat still and amused.

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Oriax lurched slightly, but Orcus shook his head somewhat. Meanwhile, Chauncey had nearly fallen out of his chair at the sudden commotion.

“That… will never happen. Do you understand me?” Her voice had shifted from the calm, almost innocent tone to one of complete hostility, “I could never do something so horrible to someone—to anyone, like what that monster is doing. And I’ll kill anyone who does.”

“But you can kill?” Orcus replied amusedly, gesturing with his eyes at the daggers, “Better than most, perhaps.”

“To kill is what it means to be a Ssatho.” Seku glared at him, “But if it’s my fate to kill this world, then I will kill it with kindness.”

Orcus wrinkled his nose, “Did you say… kindness?”

“That’s right.” She pressed the blades harder, “My mission is to spread joy and happiness to this beautiful world. And I’ll kill anyone who gets in my way. If you have a problem with that, then I’ll even kill you too… Prince of Demons.”

“What did she just call you—?” Chauncey began to ask, but was stopped short as Oriax immediately picked up a paperweight still lying on the desk and proceeded to smack him across the back of the head. The merchant was out cold in an instant, sprawled out across the floor again among the disheveled paperwork.

[Oriax's Target] --- Takes 6 points of non-lethal damage ---

--- Target status: unconscious ---

Both Orcus and Seku stared at him unexpectedly.

“What?” Oriax shrugged plainly, “Got to look out for the boss, don’t I? Demon guy, or… lord? Shit, I’m not really good with titles.”

Orcus frowned, “How did you know?”

“Yeah… you know I can read, right?” Oriax scratched the back of his head, “All this system stuff is pretty hard on the ol’ noggin. It just takes me a while longer, is all. But we’re cool, hands. As far as demons go, you're alright by me, so don’t sweat it. I won’t tell no one. No problem.”

Oh, right. He can read. Orcus thought to himself, who had almost forgotten than his companion wasn’t a complete moron, or maybe that Orcus himself was a moron for putting all that personal information down in the first place! He growled, “But you didn’t think that this was a problem?”

“…Nope.” Oriax shook his head, “Daggers isn’t going to kill you. Not the right posture for it. Anyway, she just said so, didn’t she? Little miss has guts though.”

Orcus rolled his eyes, glancing back at Seku, “Well? Are you going to kill me or not? I don’t have all day.”

“Oh—” She blushed, pulling her daggers back abruptly, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what got into me just now! I usually don’t let that happen unless I’m really, really mad.”

“You’re a liar.” Orcus shook his head amusingly, grinning as he pulled himself up in the chair.

“Huh? No, I’m really not—” She waived her hands innocently, and her daggers made cutting noises through the air.

“Yes, you are.” Orcus nodded, “You just had the very same look in your eyes that Oriax here gets when he goes crazy. The kind of emotion that even the Prince of Demons can’t control in his subordinates. I doubt this is your first time with violent behavior.”

“No… these blades are only for those who deserve it. I am a kind person.” Seku denied meekly.

“So is he.” Orcus gestured toward Oriax, who was in the process of tucking the unconscious merchant back down onto the chair, “And he rips people apart like one might tear into a delicious piece of meat. And he thinks nothing of it afterward.”

Seku frowned, taking a seat on the edge of a nearby chair as if to compose herself.

“The question is not about if you should indulge your bloodlust, as you most certainly should.” Orcus added, “But about where you ought to direct it.”

As if a spark of some thought just entered her head, Seku looked at him peculiarly, “How about… the Cult of the Withering?”

----------------------------------------

Few lights now dotted the empty streets of Endsmeet, as the night toiled ever onward. A head of clouds had passed overhead, preventing many of the stars and distant colored nebulas from appearing entirely.

Orcus sat quietly at a window on the third floor of the outpost, watching the town square below for any signs of movement. He was not worried about Terminus’ absence, so much that he was annoyed by the lack of communication. Regardless, he’d have to be content with waiting.

For the most part, he was glad to have learned more of Kingsnake Astlir and his supposed treachery against the Ishu, his own people. As it appeared, Orcus stood to gain multiple advantages from this entire situation.

On one hand, he could help the mortals of Endsmeet, who undoubtedly had their hands full dealing with the extent of such chaotic uprising. Gaining the trust of an entire town was no easy task, but highly rewarding.

On the other hand, he still might be able to win over some of the Ishu if he pushed hard enough. Of course, the mastermind behind all of it was still to be determined. Though the Kingsnake clearly had ambitions of his own, the Prince of Demons was certain of Lord Vediovis’ background involvement. Perhaps if Orcus were to gain the trust of this ‘Voice of the Uroboros’ he might find himself in prime position to undermine the whole thing, to the benefit of himself.

Of course, there were many outlying factors to be resolved before then. Chiefly, he was under-level for any kind of serious contention with a being of even moderate power. That would have to be addressed sooner or later.

As he pondered, the Prince of Demons didn’t notice the slight shadow appearing behind him. In a moment, Seku approached with quiet footsteps, saying, “They’ll be here soon. I’m sure of it.”

Orcus didn’t flinch, merely saying, “Who are these cultists exactly?”

“Other humanoids from around here.” Seku answered, “All of whom are in service to Kingsnake Astlir. Although I don't know much about their leader, Garimor, only that he's a depraved sort of man. He believes that the Uroboros will bless him and his followers with a change of form—rebirth them to that of shed-kin when the arrival comes. In service, he tasks his followers with rounding up of people from Endsmeet and the surrounding area to take back to him. Not often, but enough to break a person’s spirit.”

“Is that why everyone’s so on edge?” Orcus pondered aloud, “Why they’re all so weary?”

Seku nodded, “They’ve tried to fight… but to no avail. When the mages and adventurers were driven out, most people simply gave up. Even the guards know it’s no use trying anymore, and any call for help they’ve made has been met with even more severe punishment by Garimor's men.”

“No adventurers welcome…” Orcus murmured. It wasn’t anger towards adventures, per se, but rather it was fear of what their coming might bring down upon the rest of the town.

“These people have watched loved ones be taken away in the night, never to return.” Seku replied, “It’s heartbreaking.”

Orcus glanced up at her, taking passive note of her sentimental nature. She and Oriax were very similar in that regard. He only wondered about the kinds of things she would do with her back against the wall? When her anger had been tried? Nevertheless, he said, “This is why you gambled with me? You wish to help these people? You wish for me to help these people?”

“They’re suffering.” Seku replied, “I’m going to cut it all out. All the sadness, all the fear… I’ll kill them all. But I can’t do it alone. I’m… I’m not strong enough yet.”

Orcus turned back to face the window, “I will make no promises, but I am intrigued by your proposition. My ambitions are to grow stronger, and to build my reputation with the mortals of these lands. I cannot say that my goal is to save them, but for you it may turn into an advantageous coincidence.”

Seku’s eyes widened somewhat, but softened thereafter, “It makes me happy to hear that. Thank you.”

“We work together.” Orcus stated firmly, “My cause will become yours, just as your strength will become mine to unleash. It is a symbiotic pact between the one who leads, and the one who follows. One cannot thrive without the other. So, if it is your wish to purge these evildoers, then I will allow it. But make no mistake, my oath is to the purging of all demons from this world. If I join you in your conquest, then you will undoubtedly join me in mine.”

“Purging of all demons…” She echoed thoughtfully, then added, “If that’s the case, then please allow me to join your party for now, mister Orcus.”

The Prince of Demons nodded, otherwise sitting perfectly still and gritting his teeth. In truth, he was trying to remember how to send out a party invitation.

*************

Party Invite

Inviter: His Highness’s First Legion, Orcus, Prince of Demons (Adventurer, Paladin 1)

Invitee: Seku’ana of the Ishu clans (Adventurer, Rogue 1)

*************

Invite Accepted

Seku’ana has joined the Party

“If you don’t mind my asking…” She hesitated somewhat, “How can a God walk in our world as a mortal? How can a Demon Lord use the Akashic Record?”

“How does an Ishu girl from an isolated clan with no ties to these lands or its guilds do it?” Orcus replied, “We are both at the mercy of circumstance. I cannot choose mine any more than you can choose yours. I am here because I was betrayed. And I believe it is the same for you. To be betrayed or to have your ideals spit upon, there is scarcely a difference. Both should be met with retribution. And I… simply cannot stand losing.”

“It was a gift.” Seku replied belatedly, a hint of unwillingness in her voice, “Someone from the Adventurers’ Guild here in town helped me learn… about its colorful people and its interesting places.”

“A human?”

“He was called Anindaro.” Seku replied with a faint smile, “His mother was human, but his father was elvish. He was old, but he always wanted to be on his feet. He even helped me work on my disguise so that I could experience the town he called home with him. He wanted me to see how lovely it was—how caring it was despite the chaos. I… I didn’t know that the human world could be so full of compassion.”

“Why do you say he was these things?”

“Because… he was killed in the first attack a few months ago.” Seku murmured, “And it was my fault—”

“Hands! Daggers!” Oriax’s voice carried through the tower abruptly, “Got company outside!”

Both Orcus and Seku were on their feet in a matter of moments, responding to both Oriax’s shouts and the sudden quaking that suddenly rippled through the outpost tower.

“Right on time.” Seku bit her lips, peering out the window, “Looks like Garimor’s men are here.”

Orcus leaned on the edge of the window, silently cursing for letting himself get too distracted, as he too glanced down into the plaza.

Torchlight filled the square, a cabal of a dozen or more hooded and robbed individuals stepped hastily through the plaza. With them came a hundred townsfolk, summoned from their nightly beds to the sound of a deep-ringing bell.

“Your cultists, I take it?” Orcus replied curiously, making note of the two individuals standing just around the stairs to the Mages’ Guild outpost.

“You weren't exactly inconspicuous on your entry.” She glanced at Orcus, “Someone must have seen you—ratted you out or something. I probably should have been more careful too.”

Orcus growled irritably, that could have been any one of several people they passed on the way into town! Grumbling, he said, “What are they doing? All those people down there?”

“Gathering for the selection. I... guess we'll be joining them too.”

Orcus frowned, disappointed by how peaceful that sounded.

If he were a cult leader rounding up sacrifices, he would have done it in the dead of night with no warning whatsoever, simply plucking people from their beds. Of course, the selection process seemed particularly terrifying, but all the fear came from anticipation! Hardly thrilling and not very flashy. Where was the excitement?

As if hit by a sudden burst of inspiration, the Prince of Demons jolted. He’d just had the most extraordinary idea, one that might just garner favor with the town.

“Seku…” Orcus asked, grinning from ear to ear, like an idiot, “Do these mongrels take volunteers, by chance? I wish to make an entrance.”